27 January 2020

We were delighted to welcome record-breaking Yachtswoman, Nikki Henderson, to the School on Friday 17^th January.

Nikki visited the School to launch the ‘No Limits’ workshop series.  The workshops are aimed at inspiring our girls, across all age groups, to see no limits to what they can achieve.  As part of our Inspiring Talks Series, the No Limits workshops will bring inspirational speakers to Birkenhead School from a wide variety of sectors, providing contemporary role models for our students to aspire to emulate and to both seek, and seize, life's exciting opportunities. 

Nikki is a British professional yachtswoman who in 2018 became the youngest ever skipper to lead a team in the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race at the age of 23.  Nikki shared her own life story and life experiences during the day and what has led her to be in the position that she is today, one of the world’s leading sailors.  She encouraged students to think about who they admire, their own values and the choices that they have.  Nikki stressed the importance of being an ‘active’ participant in life by going out and seizing opportunities and not setting limits on what is achievable. 

During the day, Nikki spoke to sixth formers as the guest speaker for the weekly Nicholls Lecture series and spoke with the students about having goals and working hard towards these whilst encouraging them to follow their own path in life, which may not necessarily be the one expected of them.  Through sharing her own story and her experiences Nikki expressed the importance of preparing to fail as this will undoubtedly happen but, by preparing for failure, they will ultimately be better placed to succeed.  Nikki shared how her experiences of leading and inspiring teams of people who can often be older than herself, the importance of listening and how the way that you feel about yourself will affect how you present yourself to others.  Recently, Nikki sailed Greta Thunburg across the Atlantic to the UN Climate Change Summit in New York.

Nikki spent time with our younger pupils and shared with Years 5 and 6 what it is like to be at sea in a fun and engaging session.  A number of pupils across the School enjoy and compete in sailing and enjoyed the opportunity to pose questions to someone who undoubtedly is a role model to them during the day. 
Paul Vicars, Headmaster, commented, 'It was a privilege to be able to bring one of the world's leading sailors to the School. In addition, Nikki was a natural at engaging with the students, of all levels, and making her story so far, and what she has learned of life's ups and downs, relatable to all. There was a great deal for every student to take from the day, not least that they are all in control of their own choices, and to drive their life in the direction of their passions.'

Nikki is the latest speaker in the School’s Inspiring Talks Series which sees high-profile individuals visit the School to speak to students and the wider community.  Recent guests have included George Alagiah, Clare Balding and Old Birkonian and former First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir Philip Jones.  The School is also delighted to be welcoming former Blue Peter TV Presenter, Konnie Huq, on Tuesday 11^th February to talk to children from Prep and pupils from local primary schools in conjunction with Linghams Booksellers.

Sixth Form Open Evening

Date: Thursday 13th February
Time : 6.00 - 8.00pm

Our Sixth Form Open Evening is an opportunity for students in Year 11 to find out more about the opportunities available in the Sixth Form. From our Leadership Development Programme, Nicholls Lecture Series and Beyond the Curriculum programmes to our strong academic results and outstanding careers support - there are many reasons why choosing Birkenhead School for sixth form studies can truly set our students apart from their peers.

Click here for more information on the event and Access Scholarships